About the role
Tetra builds custom tooling and automated systems for established enterprises. To do that well, we need to stay ahead of where frontier technology is going.
Applied AI researchers at Tetra track developments in LLMs and AI research, figure out what's genuinely useful versus what isn't yet, and help shape what we build and how we build it. You'll work with our engineers and forward-deployed team to bring new techniques into real client systems, and you'll help the company make good decisions about product direction based on where the technology is heading.
This role is a mix of research and application. You need to understand the research deeply, but the goal is always to turn that understanding into something that works in production for a real business.
What you'll do
Be hyper-current on LLM and AI research (new models, papers, techniques, and tools) and translate that into clear, practical guidance for the team
Test and evaluate new models and methods to figure out which ones are worth using and where they fit
Work with engineers to bring promising techniques into the systems we build for clients
Help shape Tetra's product direction by advising on where the technology is going and what that means for us
Build prototypes and run experiments to answer real questions about what's possible today
Set up ways to measure whether AI-driven systems we deploy are working well (accuracy, reliability, cost, etc)
Share your research clearly (when applicable), both privately and publicly
What we're looking for tactically
Experience applying AI research to real-world problems
The ability to read a new paper or model release and quickly judge whether it matters for us
Strong engineering skills: you can build prototypes and work closely with the team to ship them
Clear communication, especially the ability to explain technical ideas simply
Good judgment about what's real and what's hype
Comfort working in an early-stage environment where priorities shift and you often define your own work
Helpful experience
A background in machine learning, NLP, or a related research field (industry or academic)
Hands-on experience with LLM APIs, fine-tuning, retrieval, agents, or evaluation
Experience turning research into production systems
Published research or open-source contributions
Experience working directly with non-technical teams or clients
Why Tetra
Come transform modern industry with us.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Employment is subject to a standard confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement.
If interested in learning more prior to applying, reach out to [email protected]
Skills Required
- Experience applying AI research to real-world problems
- Ability to evaluate new research papers and model releases for practical relevance
- Strong engineering skills for building prototypes and shipping solutions
- Clear technical communication skills
- Good judgment distinguishing useful technology from hype
- Comfort working in an early-stage environment with shifting priorities
- Background in machine learning, NLP, or a related research field
- Hands-on experience with LLM APIs, fine-tuning, retrieval, agents, or evaluation
- Experience turning research into production systems
- Published research or open-source contributions
- Experience working directly with non-technical teams or clients
What We Do
Tetra is a technology firm that partners directly with established enterprises, organizations, departments, and teams. Its researchers and engineers build custom systems, tooling, and automated processes designed to remove operational friction, reduce costs without relying on headcount reduction, and accelerate revenue without increasing spend. Tetra positions itself as a frontier-facing partner helping established businesses adopt artificial intelligence and other technologies at startup speed.
